The new-look Chicago Bulls are looking quite the team early this season and former Bulls cornerstone Derrick Rose is certainly taking notice. Rose and his New York Knicks squad visited the United Center on Thursday and, despite the Knicks handing the Bulls their first loss of the season, the former MVP for Chicago recognizes how tough this new Bulls team is.

Prior to tip-off, Rose shared his thoughts on Chicago making waves early this season as their new line-up spearheaded by the likes of Zach Lavine, DeMar DeRozan, and Lonzo Ball continue to impress.

“I hear about the excitement that’s going on,” Rose said (via NBC Sports). “I know it’s great for the city to lock in and understand they have a really good team,”

It was a bittersweet night for the former first overall pick. The Bulls were celebrating ‘Joakim Noah Night' as the franchise welcomes their former star as an official ambassador, Rose did his thing and spearheded the Knicks bench. New York ended up handing the Bulls first home loss this season with a slim 104-103 win despite an impressive 12-0 run for Chicago in the game's final three minutes.

“I don’t have one memory because all of them formed who I am now — the good, the bad, the ugly,” Rose said reminiscing his time with the Bulls. “Even leaving here was pretty tough but everything happens for a reason. So when I do come back here, I get this nostalgic feel. Words can’t really explain it.  It’s just a feeling and vibe I get.”

Despite both franchises underachieveing these past few seasons, Rose's Knicks have managed to tie things up with the Bulls at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 4-1 record to start the season off. You love to see it.